Nicola Sturgeon to lay out timetable for independence re-run

NICOLA STURGEON will set out the key tests and timescale for a possible second Scottish independence referendum within the next seven months.

The First Minister has revealed the SNP’s manifesto for next May’s Holyrood election will include the “circumstances and timescale” for a second poll on separation.

The move stops short of a cast-iron promise of another referendum within the next five years, potentially angering swathes of SNP supporters.

But Miss Sturgeon gave them hope by seizing on Jeremy Corbyn’s victory in the Labour leadership contest as a potential catalyst for independence.

She warned that if Labour “can’t quickly show that they have a credible chance of winning (the) UK election, many will conclude that independence (is the) only alternative to Tory government”.

Tory leader Ruth Davidson last night said it was clear Miss Sturgeon “wants to take Scotland back to a neverendum” and business tycoon Sir Tom Hunter called on SNP minsters to rule out a second referendum for a decade and concentrate on using the powers they already have.

The First Minister said: “Our manifesto will set out what we consider are the circumstances and the timescale on which a second referendum might be appropriate, but we can only propose.

“It’s then for people in Scotland, whether it is in this election or in future elections, to decide whether they want to vote for our manifesto.

“Then if there is, in the future, another independence referendum, whether that’s in five years or 10 years or whenever, it will be down to the people of Scotland to decide whether they want to vote for independence or not.”

The First Minister has previously said a material change in circumstances, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against its will in the forthcoming in-out referendum on UK membership, could act as a trigger for a second referendum on independence.

She said: “Ironically, given the scaremongering about our European Union membership during the independence referendum, if we find ourselves being taken out of Europe against our will I think it is beyond any doubt that people will at least want to consider again the question of independence.”

Miss Sturgeon’s comments about a disastrous Corbyn-led Labour Party boosting support for independence were echoed by her backbenchers yesterday.

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman claimed the result meant Labour had just become “unelectable” with another “post-Cameron Tory Government likely, independence is now inevitable”.

Meanwhile, speaking in an STV documentary being aired tomorrow night, Miss Sturgeon has also said she doesn’t want a second Scottish independence referendum until she’s confident she can win.

She said: “I don’t ever want to feel what I felt in the early hours of September 19. If we are going to have another independence referendum I want to know there is support in Scotland for independence that means that referendum is going to be successful.”

Tory leader Miss Davidson said: “Most people in Scotland want to put last year’s referendum behind them and get on with life. Despite her own promises, it is now clear that Nicola Sturgeon wants to take Scotland back to a neverendum.”

Meanwhile, Sir Tom Hunter has called for an end to the debate about another referendum, claiming the country’s economy, health and education services are suffering as a result.

The Ayrshire-based philanthropist said: “Let’s say no to another referendum for 10 years and focus on what we have in common not what separates us.

“Focusing on what we don’t have means the health service, education and building a strong economy don’t get 100% of the focus.”

Sir Tom, who bankrolled an initiative to provide objective evidence to voters on the referendum last year, added: “It’s time to come together. All Scots want an NHS we can be proud of, all Scots want a world-class education system.

“There is more we have in common than divides us.”